What do Americans actually believe about democracy, polarization, and the economy? And what does the data tell us about where the country is headed?
In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with veteran Democratic pollster and strategist Celinda Lake to unpack decades of public opinion research and what it reveals about this political moment and the possibility of a supermajority of the American people agreeing that we need to Fix the System. Celinda shares her journey from growing up in a Republican family in rural Montana to becoming one of the country's leading political pollsters, reflecting on how data—not ideology—shaped her career.
They explore why economic messaging has become central to rebuilding public trust, what voters really think about democracy, the rise of populism across the political spectrum, and why many Americans feel disconnected from both major parties.
They also discuss constitutional transformation, electoral reforms, declining civic trust, the importance of protecting voting rights, and why renewing American democracy and improving economic opportunity must go hand in hand.
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Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!
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Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.
What is Revolutionary Optimism Podcast?
To respond to the challenging times we are living through, physician, humanitarian and social justice advocate Dr. Paul Zeitz has identified “Revolutionary Optimism” as a new cure for hopelessness, despair, and cynicism. Revolutionary Optimism is itself an infectious, contagious, self-created way of living and connecting with others on the path of love. Once you commit yourself as a Revolutionary Optimist, you can bravely unleash your personal power, #unify with others, and accelerate action for our collective repair, justice, and peace, always keeping love at the center.